Characteristics of Ohio Women in Agriculture

By: PhD student Rae Ju and Professor Ani Katchova, Farm Income Enhancement Chair, in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE), and Nanette L. Neal and Sarah Noggle, Extension Educators in Agriculture and Natural Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Department of Extension at the Ohio State University.

Click here to access the pdf version of the report.

Using data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the characteristics of female farmers in Ohio are examined and compared to the overall farming population.

Profile of Ohio Women Farmers

The majority of agricultural producers in Ohio are male farmers, constituting approximately two-thirds of the total, while female farmers represent about one-third. The percentage of female farmers has remained stable, with a minor decrease from 33.6% to 33.1% between 2017 and 2022.

The geographic distribution of female farmers throughout Ohio’s counties was also examined. Counties in Northwest and Southeast Ohio have a lower number of female farmers, with the number of female farmers being less than 500. However, the counties in Southeast Ohio had a relatively high proportion of female farmers, exceeding 33% of the total farming population. In contrast, the counties in Northwest Ohio had a lower percentage of female farmers (less than 33%).

The average age of female farmers in Ohio was 55.4 years, while the average age of male farmers was slightly higher at 56.8 years in 2022. Regarding the age distribution of female farmers, the data suggest a predominant concentration of farmers in the 55-64 age range. In age groups below 55 years old, the percentage of female farmers is slightly higher than that of male farmers. On the other hand, the percentage of male farmers is slightly higher than female farmers for farmers that are 65 or older. Overall, the age distribution pattern is similar for female and male farmers.

The farming occupation and off-farm employment reveal distinct differences between male and female farmers in Ohio. Only 31% of female farmers in Ohio considered farming their primary occupation in 2022, suggesting a reliance on various income sources. Additionally, 40% of female farmers in Ohio were actively involved in off-farm work for over 200 days per year.

Characteristics of Farms Operated by Female Producers

In 2022, there were 40,269 farms operated by female farmers and 72,184 farms operated by male farmers. The average size of farms operated by female farmers was 132.9 acres, in contrast to the larger average of 185.4 acres operated by male farmers. Female farmers were more likely than male farmers to operate farms that are smaller than 50 acres, while the reverse is true for farms greater than 50 acres.

Female farmers in Ohio operate a variety of farm types, including crop production, animal production, and aquaculture. Over half of the farms operated by female producers in Ohio specialized in crop farming. Specifically, 24% of the farms operated by female producers specialized in oilseed and grain, followed by 22% in other crop farming. In addition, 15% of the farms operated by female producers specialized in beef cattle ranching and farming and 14% specialized in aquaculture and other animal production in 2022. Female and male producers are more likely to specialize in crop production than livestock production.  About 55% of farms operated by female farmers in Ohio specialized in crop production which is lower than the 63% of farms operated by male farmers.

Examining land ownership patterns, full ownership was more common among female farmers, with 80% holding full ownership of their operated acres. On the other hand, 17% of female farmers were part owners of the operated acres compared to 26% for male farmers.

Female farmers predominantly appear in the lower sales categories, specifically those with sales under $25,000. Conversely, in the higher sales brackets, the representation of female farmers decreases significantly. Only 9% of female farmers had sales between $100,000 and $499,999, and 6% had sales above $500,000.

Farms with female producers in Ohio had $146,744, while farms with male producers had $213,060 in market value of agricultural products sold and government payments in 2022. Using the USDA’s definition of economic classes, the average market value of products sold from farms operated by female farmers was $145,313 on a per-farm basis. A higher percentage of female farmers than male farmers belonged to the lower economic class, specifically in the category with less than $5,000 in market value of all products sold. In contrast, the distribution pattern for male farmers is the opposite, with a more significant percentage of male farmers than female farmers in the higher economic classes.

References:

United States. (2022). U.S. Census of Agriculture. https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/

Reflecting on One Year of 988

by: Bridget Britton Behavioral Health Program Coordinator

As we transition into National Suicide Prevention Month, there was a milestone marking one of the launch of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Nationwide. This switch allowed for youth and adults to go from memorizing a 1-800 number to the easy-to-remember 988.

What is 988?
• Think the equivalent of 911 only 988.
• Simply call, text, or chat 988 when you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge or thoughts of suicide.
• A mental health professional will answer the call and it is completely anonymous, available 24/7.
What have the benefits been?
• Almost 5 million people have contacted the line in the last year, 2 million more than the previous one.
• The average answer time went from 2 minutes and 39 seconds to 41 seconds.
• There are specialized options for Veterans, Spanish subnetwork, and LGBTQI youth.
• It is available in all 50 states.

Where can the work continue to improve when it comes to 988?
• The message change is still not widely known. 988 is still new, and advocacy for the change is still crucial. There is an amazing toolkit available with free resources for people to use.
• Breaking down the stigma that it is “okay to not be okay”, and talking to someone about mental health in the moment reduces the need for future services.
• Ongoing improvements to the infrastructure of 988 calling centers. Currently, the call centers are statewide and cover regional areas, but the goal is to make them more localized in each county to mimic 911 services.

Remember, you or anyone you know can call 988! Help spread that word to reach out for support anytime anywhere.

More information can be obtained at the Rural and Farm Stress Blog at: https://u.osu.edu/farmstress/get-help-now/

 

OSU Extension Podcast bolsters Farm Management with new Co-Hosts

By Wm. Bruce Clevenger, OSU Ext Field Specialist, Farm Management

OSU Extension has surpassed 100 Episodes on the Agronomy and Farm Management Podcast with the leadership of Amanda Douridas and Elizabeth Hawkins.  Amanda Douridas is the OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator in Madison County and Elizabeth Hawkins is an OSU Extension Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems.

On Episode 118, two new co-hosts began to alternate episodes between Agronomy and Farm Management.  Your new farm management co-hosts are Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Farm Management and Josh Winters, OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator, Jackson County.

Bruce Clevenger and Josh Winters will host Farm Management and Amanda and Elizabeth will continue with Agronomy.  “Farm management is important to your farming operations and Elizabeth and I are excited to partner with Bruce and Josh to enhance the farm management piece of the podcast,” says Amanda.

Episode 118 investigates Farm Insurance Policies with guest Robert Moore, J.D., Attorney, OSU Extension Agricultural and Resource Law Program.  “I would challenge you to find a more important component of farm management, that receives less attention than the farm insurance policy,” Robert Moore.

OSU Extension has many ag law resources available at https://farmoffice.osu.edu click on Law Library and Farm Office Blog.  Robert and Peggy Hall author weekly posts and write law bulletins are a wide range of topics from Agritourism to Zoning.

Visit https://go.osu.edu/afm to listen, subscribe, and suggest a topic for future episodes.  Listeners can also search their smart device app for Agronomy and Farm Management to listen and subscribe.

Summary of Coffee & Grain Markets Webinar Available

A summary of the Coffee & Grain Markets webinar held on April 14, 2023 featuring Dr. Seungki Lee is now available at:

Apr 2023_Coffee_and_Grain_Talk_Summary_v2

Summary of Report

The USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report for April reveals a consistent picture of the old crop. Southern Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, continue to suffer from drought damage, whilst other South American countries, such as Brazil and Paraguay, have a strong harvest outlook, which will likely lead to an increase in overall crop supply from South America compared to last year.

OSU Extension Seeks Next Assistant Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Ohio State University Extension is seeking applicants for our next Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Assistant Director is responsible for the leadership of Ohio State University Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program area. This includes overall direction of educational programming within and across Ohio’s 88 counties. The summary of duties is listed below and a complete listing of the position description can be found at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-Director–Extension-Agriculture-and-Natural-Resources–Associate-or-Full-Professor_R74003.

The Assistant Director reports to the Director of OSU Extension and serves as a member of OSU Extension’s Administrative Cabinet. Specifically, the Assistant Director provides leadership and direction for Agriculture and Natural Resources programming with emphasis on program and curriculum development; applied research; identifying potential collaboration and partnerships with universities, colleges, departments, peer agencies and industry partners; securing funding to support related activities; administrative leadership for the state Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources  office; and professional development of faculty and staff.

Education Required:  an earned Master’s Degree required, Ph.D. preferred, in an agriculture or natural resources related field.

Faculty Position (1.0 FTE)

Posting number: R74003

Location:  Statewide and Columbus based

Deadline Date:  April 30, 2023

 

Questions about the position can be directed to:

Elizabeth Hawkins, Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

(937) 286-4849, Hawkins.301@osu.edu

 

 

USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey

As a farmer, rancher or forest manager, your on-the-ground contribution to American agriculture is vitally important. Your efforts are key to the Nation’s production of food, fuel and fiber, and your feedback is essential in helping the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve government programs and services to support you. Please consider taking this very important nationwide farmer, rancher and forest manager survey by March 31, 2023.

USDA has released a nationwide survey asking for feedback from all farmers, ranchers, and forest managers.  USDA would like to hear from existing customers, and they hope to also reach a new audience of prospective customers, specifically those that don’t know about USDA, have yet to work with USDA, and those who were unable to participate in the past.

Please visit www.farmers.gov/survey by March 31, 2023, to access the survey online in multiple languages! The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and responses are anonymous.

Background

USDA works hand in hand with farmers, ranchers, forest managers, and agricultural partners to help mitigate the risks of farming through crop insurance, conservation programs, farm safety net programs, lending, and disaster programs. From helping farmers recover after natural disasters and market fluctuations, to providing financial and technical assistance to improve operations through voluntary conservation, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA), work together to protect and enhance the natural resources vital to our Nation.

Feedback Benefits

USDA works to improve services, making government agricultural programs more accessible, equitable and easier to use. Survey feedback will assist these agencies, specifically the FSA, NRCS and RMA, in learning about ways to enhance support and improve programs and services, increase access and advance equity for new and existing customers. One of the ways the USDA works to engage landowners to improve services is by regularly asking for their valuable input. USDA takes that feedback and
works directly with agencies to streamline processes, programs, paperwork and much more, making it easier for customers to access programs and services. Your input will help shape FSA, NRCS and RMA policies and programs going forward. The more participation, the better data USDA will have to inform future agency and program decisions to benefit the nations producers and landowners.

Act Now

USDA really needs your help! If you are a farmer, rancher or forest manager, don’t delay! Please take the survey now, and share the link or QR code with farmers, ranchers and forest managers you may know, and in farmer networks you have access to.  USDA looks forward to hearing your feedback!

Hartschuh named as field specialist, Dairy Management and Precision Livestock at Ohio State

By: Cheryl Buck

COLUMBUS, Ohio–Jason Hartschuh has been hired as field specialist, dairy management and precision livestock for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

Hartschuh, who previously served as an OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources, will begin his new position Nov. 1, said Jacqueline Kirby Wilkins, associate dean and director, OSU Extension.

“In this important position, Jason will provide leadership for developing and implementing a comprehensive Extension and applied research agenda in dairy management and precision livestock farming,” Wilkins said.

Hartschuh will focus on providing unbiased research and education in precision livestock farming, dairy market conditions and policy, dairy facility design for animal welfare, livestock facility ventilation, and dairy calf and heifer care. He will also work to bridge connections between livestock nutritionists and agronomists to help produce high-quality, low-cost feeds.

“We are very pleased to have Jason on board as a field specialist to work collaboratively within Extension and in cross-disciplinary efforts with CFAES and other college professionals,” said Sam Custer, interim assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, OSU Extension. “He will function as a consultant with clientele to address statewide issues as his expertise is needed,” Custer said.

Hartschuh said he looks forward to continuing to build relationships with Ohio livestock farmers and working with them to solve the challenges they are facing, which will ultimately also help to make their farms more sustainable for future generations.

“My primary focus will be on helping Ohio farmers to keep their operations successful by assisting dairy producers with risk management strategies, along with working to bring the latest precision livestock technologies to Ohio producers,” Hartschuh said. “I will also continue some of the work I am currently doing on corn vomitoxin risk management, as this is very important to Ohio dairy and livestock producers.”

Prior to accepting this role, Hartschuh served as an OSU Extension educator in Crawford County for 10 years, focusing on agriculture and natural resources. During this time, he conducted many on-farm research projects, with his latest focus on ways to improve forage production and decrease vomitoxin levels in corn. He also has been active in helping dairy producers understand USDA risk management programs.

Hartschuh joins other OSU Extension field specialists, who each have a particular subject matter focus and provide overall leadership for a comprehensive teaching and applied research program to address statewide issues. Field specialists work to expand existing partnerships, develop new relationships, and foster collaborations across the state, including with university researchers, to complement local Extension educators’ efforts.

Other topics addressed by Extension field specialists include beef cattle; community economics; agronomic systems; farm management; food, nutrition, and wellness; energy development; manure nutrient management systems; agricultural and resource law; food safety; youth nutrition and wellness; family wellness; and organizational and community leadership development.

“Please join OSU Extension in welcoming Jason Hartschuh to this new role, which is important to the continuing success of Ohio’s livestock industry and OSU Extension’s work to support agriculture and natural resources professionals throughout the state,” Wilkins said.

USDA Names Appointees to the Ohio Farm Service Agency State Committee

Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Ohio USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.

Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.

Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for Ohio are:

  • Committee Chair Theodore Finnarn – Greenville
  • Fred Deel – Vinton
  • Tracy Hundley – Geneva
  • Thomas Jackson, Jr. – Toledo
  • Mark Mechling – Duncan Falls

“The FSA state committee members play an integral role in the continuity of operations, equitable and inclusive program administration and ensure the overall integrity of services to the nation’s agricultural producers,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations.  “These individuals have proven themselves to be leaders, early adopters and key influencers in the agriculture industry in their respective states – qualities that will serve them well in these key Biden-Harris Administration leadership positions.

The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Three Extension Professional Named as Field Specialists in Farm Management

By: Cheryl Buck, OSU Extension

Bruce Clevenger, David Marrison, and Eric Richer have been hired as field specialists, farm management for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

The three new specialists, who previously have served as OSU Extension county educators, will begin their new roles Nov. 1, said Jacqueline Kirby Wilkins, associate dean and director, OSU Extension. “Farm management is an extremely important topic in the agriculture industry, and OSU Extension has determined that the best way to address this top priority is to install several professionals to coordinate their efforts across the state,” Wilkins said. “Bruce, David, and Eric are experts in this field, and each also has a specialized area of interest that will contribute to the industry as a whole and really help meet the needs of our clientele.”

“I am excited that these positions will be able to work in tandem with each other and with our other field specialists,” said Sam Custer, interim assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, OSU Extension. “Each of their experience in the industry and as county educators gives them firsthand knowledge about the challenges of managing a farm business and the scope of the industry throughout the state.”

These new field specialists will also be key players in helping to implement the inaugural work of the college’s new Farm Financial Management Policy Institute, Custer said. The Institute is a joint effort of the CFAES departments of Extension and Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Its main mission will be to find solutions to the most critical farm management and agricultural policy issues facing Ohio producers. More information about the Institute’s leadership and work will be available in the near future.

Clevenger said his goal is to help Ohio farmers increase profitability with improved farm business tools that help make the best-informed decisions on the farm. “My primary focus will be teaching and developing outreach materials to meet the needs of Ohio producers and entrepreneurial ag businesses,” Clevenger said. “Farm management is as diverse as crop and animal sciences, so farm managers need modern tools that help their farm business be successful today and able to transition someday to the next generation.”

Prior to this role, Clevenger served as an OSU Extension educator in Defiance County for 28 years, focusing on agriculture and natural resources. He has also served part-time as an area leader for the past four years.

Marrison said his goal is to help Ohio farmers improve profitability and management regardless of farm size, location, or commodities raised and produced.

“I am excited to be transitioning into this role and help all Ohio farm families and agribusinesses to enhance their management, productivity, and profitability,” Marrison said. “This industry is multi-faceted, and I’m glad to be able to use my specialization in farm succession planning and tax management to enhance the efforts of our team across the state.”

Prior to this role, Marrison served as an OSU Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources since 1997. He has served in Coshocton County since 2018, and he was located in Ashtabula County prior to that.

Richer said his goal is to help farmers improve their financial performance and risk management to help meet the growing needs of their farm and today’s diverse consumer.

“Working in production agriculture comes with significant stressors, none more important than financial management,” Richer said. “I’m excited to work with current and beginning farmers in Ohio to improve their understanding of key farm financial management tools to better their farm today and for generations to come.”

Richer previously served as an OSU Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources for 10 years in Fulton County. Prior to that, he worked as an agricultural education instructor at Wauseon High School for 10 years.

Clevenger, Marrison, and Richer join other OSU Extension field specialists, who each have a particular subject matter focus and provide overall leadership for a comprehensive teaching and applied research program to address statewide issues. Field specialists work to expand existing partnerships, develop new relationships, and foster collaborations across the state, including with university researchers, to complement local Extension educators’ efforts.

Other topics addressed by Extension field specialists include beef cattle; community economics; agronomic systems; dairy management and precision livestock; food, nutrition, and wellness; energy development; manure nutrient management systems; agricultural and resource law; food safety; youth nutrition and wellness; family wellness; and organizational and community leadership development.

“Please join OSU Extension in welcoming these three exceptional Extension professionals to this new role,” said Wilkins. “We look forward to demonstrating how this unique collaboration will provide major assistance across the state to ag professionals who are managing a business.”

 

Ukraine: The Breadbasket of Europe

by: Ian Sheldon, Professor and Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy, Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, Ohio State University

This short essay, recently published in the Ohio State online magazine Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective, places the impact of the war in Ukraine on global markets into a historical context.  Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian agriculture has returned to its pre-revolutionary position as a major agricultural exporter, largely due to land reform and restructuring of its collective farms.  Land reform has resulted in the development of large-scale, privately-operated farms with owners investing in new technology and introducing best management practices. By 2018, cereal yields had increased by almost 40%, Ukraine re-establishing itself as the “breadbasket of Europe. The full article can be accessed at: https://origins.osu.edu/read/ukraine-food-war-agriculture